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But on Monday, June 1 Network Rail withdrew its plans, a move which has been welcomed by political figures in the town.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "To add a lift would require a massive overhaul of the station. As our application was only for a bridge we cannot incorporate everyone's desires at once.

"There is a Government grant scheme called Access for All, which allocates money to stations to make them more accessible, based on their need.

"As it stands Reading West is not very high on the Government's priority list to receive funding.

"We will be consulting with councillors and people concerned, and will make a fresh application when the time comes."

Network Rail originally submitted the plans to as part of its Great Western Mainline electrification programme, which aims to be completed by 2016.

As it stands only one platform can be accessed by people with mobility problems.

Station should be accessible for all

Cllr Page, Reading’s lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: "Since the submission of the planning application the council has expressed its disappointment to Network Rail that the proposed replacement bridge failed to provide access for travellers in wheelchairs, parents with prams, and mobility-impaired people.

“I therefore very much welcome the decision of Network Rail to withdraw this planning application in order that they may understand fully the access issues.

“We have agreed to meet again with Network Rail and First Great Western to reconsider proposals for the station.

"We are also pressing the case that the long term improvements needed for the station must be taken forward as part of a master plan, including the necessary electrification works.”

Councillor Rob White said: "The station should be accessible for all. If there was a way for the council to force the developers to incorporate a lift that would be great.

"It's unfair to make people take the long way round."

Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West said: "I think it is sensible of Network Rail to take another look at the design for the planned improvements.

"Other stations in the local area, such as Tilehurst and Theale, are due to benefit from new passenger lifts as a result of Government funding and I hope in the coming weeks to have the opportunity to sit down with Network Rail and the Department for Transport to see how we can make this a possibility at Reading West Station as well.”